Another great morning, the weather each day is different at the moment so I never know quite what you expect – although I should have reckoned on getting soaked again - and worn a waterproof!!
In the copse, all around me it seemed, that Grey Squirrels were bounding up, down and round the Black Pine, Ash and Sycamore trees, a scampering in the undergrowth before bounding onto a trunk.
Higher in the canopy occasional flickers of moment could be seen as small birds flitted from twig to needle. On inspection, binoculars essential, Goldcrests could be identified, their tiny flashes of yellow spotted as they hung by their feet. Their high-pitched calling could be heard over the rustle of leaves.
Along some of the paths evidence of Badgers having been out grabbing a bite to eat, with ‘snuffle’ holes in the soft edging.
As I squelched along the footpath around the meadows a small group of Meadow Pipits took off, and in the thicket of Hawthorn bushes a charm of Goldfinches twittered. The white wing bar markings showing as they moved in amongst the thin branches, on take-off these and their head markings were even more obvious to me.
At Tilly Whim the sound of the blow-hole could be heard, almost as if the sea or cliffs were breathing out with gusto, the rush of sea water spraying down on me.
Flying overhead was a Cormorant, the large dark black shape flying in tis typical stick winged fashion. Another black shape passing over was a Raven, the triangular tail, heavy bill and long fingers on the end of the wings making it easily to recognise, as did its croaking call.
A very short seawatch produced a steady stream of westward flying birds, including some brilliant white winged Gannets, their wings beating slowly and then gliding, but easily able to leave a couple of Kittiwakes trailing in their wake.
Also moving past were numerous Guillemots, their wings whirring at speed, so many that I was a bit surprised to see the ledge also packed with these auks.